One Love Animal Hospital Review

I've been bringing my two cats to One Love Animal Hospital since they opened, and I've had only great experiences with all three vets, and the support staff. They are all very friendly, and clearly care about the animals. When one of my cats had an accident just minutes before their closing time, I called right away, and the vet waited for me to bring him by, staying overtime to examine, and treat my cat's injuries.

On my last visit, I was glad that the vet took the time to teach me the proper way to clear my cat's nose of the mucus that was building up from a nasal infection. With the prescribed antibiotics, and following the care instructions, my cat was back to his old self quickly, with no traces of the infection.

I have been using One Love for a while now, and have dealt with all 3 doctors there.  All have impressed me.  Two of the doctors have long experience at a local animal emergency hospital, where they see everything under the sun.  These Docs know their stuff.  You will also 'feel the love' that they have for your animal.

317 Atlantic Ave
(between Smith St & Hoyt St)
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Neighborhoods: Downtown Brooklyn, Boerum Hill
(718) 532-7410

Alexis Bittar Studio Review

No fancy diamonds, rubies or emerald encrusted pieces.  Instead, the pieces here are made with lots of semi-precious stones - topaz, garnet, onyx, tourmaline's, etc... all cut beautifully to reflect light and shine.  I was more interested in the pieces on the right side... they almost remind me of Laura Gibson jewelry, but even more delicate. The jewels are cut so they look like rock candy, but they are all consistently the same shape and colors...

The left side of the shop houses big and bold jewelry that I definitely cannot pull off... Think chunky bangles, big statement pendants, etc. The best part of the store is the antique pieces in the back.  Some date back to the Victorian age.  How cool is that???  It's like a jewelry museum where you can buy the items! My friend tried on a men's onyx and 24k gold ring with the inside engraving, "in memory of..." morbid, but very cool.

465 Broome St
(between Greene St & Mercer St)
New York, NY 10013
Neighborhood: SoHo
(212) 625-8340

Beauty 35 Review

LOVE this place as far as needing somethings that are hard to get in NJ. I travel to NYC often by train, so it's quite convenient to. About a block from Penn Station. I'm not sure why Sueno S. from Jamaica Plain, MA only gives this place 2 stars, the comment didn't justify such a low rating. I'm in the  beauty business too. Although I don't support professional haircare sold outside of salons, I see no reason to give this beauty supply less than 4 stars. Prices are reasonable, selection is awesome. Lots of wigs, extensions and eyelashes too!!!! The staff has been helpful to me in the few times that I needed help.

I am usually very picky about where I purchase products for personal hygiene and beauty care. If its hair care, shampoo or cream I got to a beauty supply store and no where else. If its skin care products I only trust the major brands supplied by my local pharmacy and if its make up I am strictly a MAC girl. So it is without question that I am a harsh critic when it comes to venturing out to other stores. Anyone that goes to a Beauty 35 will finds themselves pleasantly surprised. Though the location that I went to was rather small and if there are a lot of people in there at a time it could get really cramped the store is packed wall to wall with a seemingly endless selection of top of the line inventory. I still don't understand how they are able to offer so many top brands in make up, hair care, beauty, and skin care at practically wholesale prices. Typically I pay anywhere between $9 and maybe even $10 for OPI nail polish. Here I was able to find just every shade OPI and just for $6 each. Finally an alternative to online shopping.

505 8th Ave
(between 35th St & 36th St)
New York, NY 10018
Neighborhoods: Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West
(212) 563-1010

Union Square Holiday Market Review

This was my favorite holiday market till I found out that the one at Bryant Park is BIGGER!  This one is still legit though, especially if you come on a Friday or Saturday, and its combined with the farmers market, too! Almost everything is overpriced, but that's probably also because a lot of things are made locally, so that's pretty cool!  And it's a nice change from shopping at your usual giant mall, and fun to look at all the different things that the stands offer!  Even if you don't end up buying anything, you'll have a good time just exploring.  it's so festive!!

I love all the different jewelry stands, and if you have a thing for animal hats, the holiday market is your spot!  There are also a lot of artworks, and everything is hand crafted! Lots of stands also sell fresh hot apple cider and hot chocolate, and there are also many food vendors to choose from.  Cash only though!  You'll see a lot of the same stands at the Bryant Park and Columbus Circle holiday markets, so no worries if you can only make it to one of them!  Union Square is nice just in itself, though!  It's a fun place to be to experience the holidays in NYC

Union Sq & W 14th St
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhoods: Greenwich Village, Union Square, Flatiron
(212) 529-9262

Fuego 718 Review

You might, nay... have, to go to this store if you like beautiful hand-crafted art and you love Dia De Los Muertos. However, if you need a reason to love people again... just go by and visit the owner Alex.  He's just one of those people who seems larger than life.  I'm a pretty stoic and cynical person at times and after walking out of that store I was a bit softer around the edges.  Seriously, when was the last time you wanted to hug a shop owner you -just- met while running around stressed out?

We jokingly made up stories on the way to the party that the figurines are actually made of small children that Alex has melted down.  It's the only way you can be that wonderful and nice... there simply must be some massive evil to balance it out.

We'll be back to empty your shelves many more times.  I'm actually excited about Christmas shopping this year just so I get to go back to the store.

249 Grand St
(between Driggs Ave & Roebling St)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Neighborhood: Williamsburg - North Side
(718) 302-2913

Labyrinth Games & Puzzles Review

DC has a great new indy game shop that actually carries loads of games instead of comics and those paintable miniature thingers.  In fact, there are no comics or miniatures here.  Newly opened and just steps from the Eastern Markert metro stop, you'll find classic wooden games, puzzles, kids games, and a very good selection of european and strategy games.  Although the store is not huge for such a diverse selection of items, the owners clearly know what the good stuff is and carry it.  They also host free game nights of various types, so you can ease your way into a great hobby or meet new fellow gaming buddies.  We'll be here often to keep our game collection fresh and exciting, because that's the kind of nerds we are.  Keep a eye on their facebook page for upcoming events.

645 Pennsylvania Ave SE
(between S 6th St & S Seward Sq)
Washington, DC 20003
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill/Southeast

(202) 544-1059

Toy Store & Art Supplies Review

Sullivan's is my friend's go-to toy store for his niece and nephews. We always come here because it has just about every popular thing a girl or boy could want as far as toys. It might not be as big as some of the major toy stores, but seriously we always find about 10 things to buy. Usually we are late sending gifts so the edge is taken off a bit when we finally give them 100 pieces of freaking Thomas the Train paraphernalia.

Sullivan's often has jaded teenagers manning the checkout counters, and they oooh and aaah over my friend's tattoos. I love it. Sullivan's also is not as expensive as you might think a smaller toy store might be. It's not trying to be fancy or chic or anything -- it's just a straight-up toy store. We can usually find parking in this neighborhood, and it's within walking distance to the famous Two Amy's pizzeria.

4200 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016
Neighborhood: Tenleytown

(202) 362-1343

Lola of North Beach Review

Lola is absolutely adorable, a tiny store (think, one person per aisle) crammed with lots of unique cards and kitschy items, including SF branded souvenirs that aren't tacky.  It's one of those places which sell things you really don't need, but can't resist because it's too darn cute/stupid/funny, or all of the above. I got a kick out of the thumbs-up "Like" and thumbs-down "Dislike" ink stamps, mocking the familiar Facebook feature. And the contact lens and eyeglasses cases with an owl printed on the front with the words, "I can't see shit!"  What I did need was a yearly planner, which I usually get at Borders. With their stores now defunct, I needed to find a new store to purchase them from--queue Lola.  My patronage is also supporting a local business, always a plus.  I don't make it up to North Beach often, and sometimes forget that there are little gems like this store all around the city. I'll have to remember to come back for baby gifts.  It almost makes me want to have kids just to buy all the cute baby items they sell here...almost.

1415 Grant Ave
(between Green St & Union St)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill

(415) 781-1817

Citi Shoes Review

I love this shoe store for two main reasons... 1) they have year-round boots - a variety of cute and classic styles; which are comfortable and affordable; 2) the owner, Darryl, and his girlfriend Tana and the two sales associates, Megan and Emma, are knowledgeable and patient and have made every window shopping and actual purchase experience positive. I look forward to stopping by every couple of weeks to see what new stuff has come in and say hello to this great team!

751 Irving St
(between 8th Ave & 9th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94122
Neighborhood: Inner Sunset

(415) 665-6112

Fleet Feet Sports Review

Came here two years ago after recovering from Achilles tendonitis, on a mission to find the right running shoe. What great service! The guy who helped me out listened to my feet and leg issues and needs, took measurements, had me warm up my feet first before trying on, and brought out a couple pairs of shoes that he thought would be fitting for my needs. The first pair was the one!  I've already bought 2 pairs of the same model and I am so sad that the company no longer makes the model anymore. I highly recommend this store for anyone who is trying to find the "right" running/jogging shoe. It makes a difference!

2076 Chestnut St
(between Mallorca Way & Steiner St)
San Francisco, CA 94123
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

(415) 921-7188